MATRIXSYNTH: Synton Fenix Modular


Monday, October 09, 2006

Synton Fenix Modular


Update via the comments: "Electrically they're fine. Mechanically, they could use some help. Boards held in place with hot glue (and the wrong type that doesn't stick well to smooth surfaces), various pot shaft types, poor strain relieving, thin metal, etc. Wonderful in the design, poor in the construction. Fwiw, I've serviced at least 5 of them. Anyone that buys one should open it up after shipping and before powering up. The boards inside can flop over onto each other and short out."

Update: Be sure to check out the comments. Supposedly, this is Thighpaulsandra's Fenix. Link to studio shots posted here.

No title link. Two shots and details pulled via this auction. Sent my way via Vincent.

"Very rare semi modular synthesizer, one of only 75 designed and built by the original Synton team. A direct descendant of the Synton 3000 modular synthesizer and the Syrinx lead synth. Almost every module is unique: this means that every LFO and Envelope Generator (and most mixers, VCO's, VCF's) have different controls and ins/outs. The Fenix uses industry-standard 1 V/octave for pitch control, and positive gate signals. Internal audio levels are 4 VPP, control voltages are -4/+4 or 0-8 Volts. Uses sturdy banana jacks for patching.
3 VCOs
3 LFOs
1 Noise module (2 independent sources with VLFO output)
2 Multimode VCFs
1 24dB/oct low-pass VCF
4 VCAs
3 General-purpose mixers, plus 1 integrated in VCF3
2 Dedicated CV mixers
3 EGs plus extra AD in EG1
2 Portamentos
2 Ring modulators
1 Slew limiter
1 Sample & Hold generator
1 Comparator
2 External signal processors
2 Main CV inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 Auxiliary CV inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 Gate inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 External audio inputs (quarter-inch jacks on front-panel)
Grounding point
Power: 17V/17V @ 880mA. Universal 115V/230V external PSU."

10 comments:

  1. uh... that is TPS's Fenix!
    from the doepfer list:
    Due to an unforseen medical bill I am selling one of my Synton Fenix synthesizers. It is listed
    on ebay. It has been kept in a smole free studio and is complete with manuals and PSU.
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260038921273
    For any enquiries please contact me at thighp@aol.com
    Best wishes,
    Thighpaulsandra

    ReplyDelete
  2. Built poorly, but a great sounding synth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. poorly? electrically? mechanically?

    ReplyDelete
  4. I hope Thighpaulsandra is okay.

    ReplyDelete
  5. its his dog who is not well

    ReplyDelete
  6. one of 3 he owns http://www.thighpaulsandra.com/gallery18.html#

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'd like to hear sound samples of this synth. i hear so much about how great it sounds...yet i haven't really heard it anywhere....well theres that aphex twin track but who knows with that guy sometimes. he probably wrote the song on a computer and said it was a fenix

    ReplyDelete
  8. I used to own a Fenix, but I sold it. I held on to my Serge system instead. It was a great synthesizer, but I found the filters to be rather lacking. Things became a little more interesting with feedback patches. Some features that I wish other synths had were voltage controllable sync on the first oscillator (from 0 to hard sync). The digital noise source was nice. Two ring modulators, the second had an additional AM input. Yes...it was built somewhat poorly mechanically, the circuit boards are attached to the front panel with some resin/glue and held on by the knobs. Definitely worth between $2k-3500 IMO, but I am sure this one will sell for more.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Electrically they're fine.
    Mechanically, they could use some help.
    Boards held in place with hot glue (and the wrong type that doesn't stick well to smooth surfaces), various pot shaft types, poor strain relieving, thin metal, etc.
    Wonderful in the design, poor in the construction.
    Fwiw, I've serviced at least 5 of them. Anyone that buys one should open it up after shipping and before powering up. The boards inside can flop over onto each other and short out.

    ReplyDelete

To reduce spam, comments for posts older than one week are not displayed until approved, usually same day. Do not insult people. For items for sale, do not ask if it is still available. Check the auction link and search for the item. Auctions are from various sellers and expire over time. Posts remain for the pics and historical purposes. This site is meant to be a daily snapshot of some of what was out there in the world of synths.

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